SURAT THANI: A trailer truck wih a load of gypsum crashed into nine vehicles at the scene of a previous accident, seriously injuring a traffic policeman, in Muang district on Tuesday morning.
The accident occurred around 9am on inbound Surat-Nasarn Road, said Pol Lt Cl Prasit Kaewkim, a duty-officer at Khun Thalae.
The trailer truck, with Surat Thani licence plates, eventually came to a halt inside a roadside shop selling car tyres.
A traffic policeman, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Theerachai Chuchuay, suffered serious head injuries. Rescue workers performed CPR before he was rushed to a hospital.
A lottery vendor was also injured and taken to hospital.
Police and rescue workers at the scene of the crash involving a trailer truck in Muang district, Surat Thani, on Tuesday morning. (Photo by Supapong Chaolan)
Police said there had already been another crash at the same place, involving motorcycles. Two people with minor injuries were being treated by rescue workers.
Two traffic policemen were there directing traffic, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Theerachai and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Arun Thong-arun.
The trailer truck crashed into the other vehicles at the scene. The rescue workers and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Arun jumped away just in time to escape injury. Pol Snr Sgt Maj Theerachai was not so fortunate and was hit by the truck, which then ploughed into the tyre shop.
Two pickup trucks and seven motorcycles were damaged.
Trailer truck driver Kittipong Thonchan, 26, was detained for questioning.
Mr Kittipong told police his brakes developed a problem. He was being held pending formal charges.
(Photo by Supapong Chalan)